2.
The project is targeted at experimental or occasional substance abusers who are under 21 years old and exhibit no physical dependence on illicit drugs, chronic psychological or mental problems.
Potential clients for the project may be referred by school social workers, outreaching social workers, youth workers, teachers, caseworkers in family services centres and probation officers.
"Through a series of group work programmes plus timely counselling services, social workers of the team will co-operate with schools and parents to help the young substance abusers develop alternate healthy life styles to steer them away from continued substance abuse.
"The programmes include explorations on one's own reasons for substance abuse, awareness of effects of drugs, training on life skills including communication skills, stress management, assertive skills and relapse prevention skills," he said.
Sharing sessions and training on parental skills will be conducted for the parents of the substance abusers. Volunteers will also be recruited and trained to befriend these young people and help them build a more constructive social supportive network.
Special training, including overseas attachment programme in the United States, Australia and the Philippines, has been provided to the social workers of the
team.
Meanwhile, SWD is producing a new video targeted at parents on the handling of drug problems among their children.
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Production of the video is expected to be completed in December and it will be distributed to schools, drug rehabilitation centres, welfare agencies rendering services to youth and concerned government departments.
End/Saturday, October 28, 1995
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